Similar in development to a large cat, the Highlander is a medium to large, muscular and athletic cat with a naturally short tail. The Highlander comes in both short-haired and long-haired versions and comes in any color with solid, tortoiseshell, tabby or silver/smoky pattern.
The breed’s most characteristic features are its straight to slightly convex forehead, broad bridge of the nose, blunt profile and broad ears that are loosely curled at the top. The Highlander is a relatively new breed and is not yet fully recognized by any major cat registry, although it is on its way to full recognition by the International Cat Association.
Characteristics of the Highlander cat
The Highlander is playful and outgoing and has lots of energy. This people-oriented cat is friendly with almost everyone, including strangers, although she gives most of her affection to her human family. The breed gets along well with other cats and cat-friendly dogs. Although highlanders are active and curious, they are not particularly vocal. One of the Highlanders’ favorite pastimes is playing, especially chasing. They tend to wag their short tail when they are happy and playing, just like a dog.
History of the Highlander Cat
The story of the Highlander began in the 1990s when an American cat breeder set out to create a new breed that resembled large wild cats. The first crosses were between the desert lynx and jungle curl cat breeds, and the new breed was initially called the highland lynx, although the breed was not recognized by any of the major cat registries.
Over time, new breeding efforts with domestic cats resulted in today’s Highlander, which is part of TICA’s Advanced New Breeds Class, the second level of the Championship Advancement Class Program. Advanced new breeds may be shown at TICA-approved cat shows, but they do not receive titles or points. The Highlander is not recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association.
Care for Highlander Cats
Highlanders have both short and long coats, so grooming varies depending on coat length. Brush both coat types several times a week with a soft, slick brush to remove loose hair and reduce shedding on your furniture and clothing. On the long-haired Highlander, pay particular attention to the shaggy belly hair, which is longer than the rest of the coat. Brush or comb this peritoneum thoroughly to prevent matting. Bathe your Highlander every few months with a moisturizing shampoo to keep the coat clean, soft and shiny.
Trim nails every two weeks and check ears weekly. If you see a small amount of dirt or earwax in the ears, clean the ears with a cotton ball or cheesecloth and a pet ear cleaner. Never put anything in your cat’s ear, including cotton swabs, as you could damage the eardrum. If the ears look red, inflamed, or very dirty, make an appointment with your veterinarian.
The Highlander is naturally active and will get plenty of exercise exploring, climbing and playing if you keep him busy with short play sessions throughout the day and provide him with various climbing opportunities such as scratching posts, cat houses and even bookshelves near windows (for a look ) provide the birds or squirrels outside). Spin toys like feather wands, jingling balls and toy mice to keep things interesting. Many highlanders enjoy playing hunt and fetch. Provide scratching areas around the house with vertical scratching posts (such as tall posts or scratching posts) and horizontal scratching posts (cardboard or sisal scratching posts that lie on the floor).
Common health problems
There are no breed-specific diseases or other health problems known to Highlander cats; However, any cat at any age can become sick, injured, or develop health problems. It’s important to have your Highlander cat see the vet at least once a year for an annual exam and complete physical exam to ensure he’s healthy – and to catch any developing health problems as early as possible.
Look
Highlanders are medium to large cats with a muscular body, rectangular shape and straight back. The hips are higher than the shoulders because the hind legs are longer than the front legs. Male mountaineers are larger than females.
The feet are rounded with large ankles and the long-haired variety has toe tufts. The short, thick tail is 1 inch or longer but should not extend below the hock. The tail may be kinked or curled. The Highlander’s head is broad, inverted pear-shaped, and has a straight to slightly rounded forehead. strong and deep chin; square muzzle; and a wide nose. In profile, the nose, snout and chin form a straight line. The eyes are slightly flattened or oval-shaped. The medium-sized ears are wide at the base and sit slightly above the head. They are firm at the base but flexible at the tips, which are loosely curled (no more than 90 degrees). Some highlanders have ear trimmings and ear tufts. They can be any color and come in a variety of patterns including solid, tortoiseshell, tabby and silver/smoke.
Diet and nutrition
Because the Highlander cat is naturally active and athletically built, it is less likely to become overweight. But any cat can overeat if the diet is not managed properly. A slim cat is a healthier cat, and staying slim can help prevent the development of obesity-related health problems such as diabetes and arthritis. Don’t leave the food bowl full all day. Instead, feed adult highlanders two meals a day. Young kittens should eat three to four times a day. Serving measured meals helps prevent overeating. Ask your breeder or veterinarian for advice on the best food for your Highlander cat.
Where to adopt or buy a Highlander cat
The Highlander is a rare breed and is not yet fully recognized by a major cat registry. For this reason, it may be more difficult to find a Highlander cat than a cat of another breed, but it is still possible to find a reputable breeder with kittens available. The International Cat Association lists active Highlander breeders on its website. Since Highlander cats can be exhibited at TICA cat shows, you may have the opportunity to meet a breeder and see their cats by attending a show. Check TICA’s website to find a show near you. Purebred Highlanders are unlikely to end up in shelters, but you can ask breeders if they know anyone who would like to place their adult Highlander.
Highlander overview
The Highlander is said to resemble big cats in the wild, but there is nothing wild about this breed’s personality. This loving, friendly, and people-oriented breed loves playing and spending time with family. Vocally, the Highlander is a bit quiet, but he will likely follow you around the house as you go about your day. The Highlander’s unique appearance, with its loosely curled ears and naturally short tail, will make this breed the talk of the neighborhood. Highlanders require lots of attention and activity to thrive.
